MSRTC plans to hire about 13,980 drivers and mechanical staff on contract

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is preparing to recruit about 13,980 drivers and mechanical staff on a contract basis.

Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has told officials that the recruitment process must be fully transparent. He has also asked for strict action against private agencies accused of cheating job seekers.

The directions follow complaints that some private agencies are misusing the MSRTC name. These agencies are alleged to promise jobs to unemployed youth and take money from them illegally.

Sarnaik said candidates selected through outside agencies must meet the eligibility criteria laid down by the corporation. He also asked the administration to ensure that no candidate is misled or defrauded during recruitment.

The minister has directed the corporation's security and vigilance department to investigate in detail the illegal activities being carried out in the corporation's name. Officials have been asked to identify the private agencies and individuals accused of taking money by promising jobs. The administration has also been directed to register criminal cases against those found guilty.

According to the minister, complaints have been received that agencies claiming links with MSRTC are financially exploiting unemployed youth by luring them with job offers. He said such fraud not only costs job seekers money but also damages the corporation's image and credibility.

Sarnaik said the contract recruitment must be fair and transparent and follow the set rules. He warned that no leniency would be shown to those exploiting unemployed youth in the name of recruitment. He said protecting candidates from fraud and maintaining the credibility of the recruitment process should be the administration's top priority.

Earlier this month, Sarnaik announced a Diwali bonus of Rs 10,000 per person for about 83,000 MSRTC officers and employees. The state government also approved a festival advance of Rs 12,500 for eligible employees and raised the dearness allowance from 58 per cent to 60 per cent. These decisions were announced on Thursday at a meeting with representatives of the state transport undertaking's various employee unions.

Sarnaik said the corporation is going through a financial crunch, but employees should not be deprived of the joy of Diwali. "MSRTC's officers and employees work tirelessly to give lakhs of passengers a safe journey. Given their hard work, a Diwali bonus is not merely a favour, it is their right," he said. He added that the decisions will put an additional financial burden of about Rs 160 crore on the corporation.